Navy recruit who died had multiple drugs in system, Lake County coroner says

July 22, 2008

LAKE COUNTY — A Navy recruit found dead outside a Waukegan motel Sunday died of an overdose of heroin, cocaine and anti-anxiety medication, Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said.

The body of James Stephens, 20, of Weatherford, Texas, was noticed by a passer-by outside the Crossland Economy Studios, 1177 S. Northpoint Blvd. He was pronounced dead at 8 a.m., Keller said.

There was no evidence of trauma or injury, but autopsy results Monday morning revealed Stephens died of multiple substance overdose, Keller said.

Stephens joined the Navy five months ago as a fireman recruit, said Navy spokesman Matt Mogle. Stephens was enrolled in an engineering program at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Mogle said.